I have recently discovered a family photo album with about 50 photos most dating from the 19th century. This is quite a find but unfortunately, none of the photos are identified. One or two are definitely not family... I don't think I can claim Lord Randolph Churchill as an ancestor and another is of Daniel Gwenffrwd Evans, the first minister of Trinity Chapel, Llanboidy.
However, I believe I may have identified three or four people in the album.
This photo could be my great great grandmother Anne Phillips (1812-1899) nee Lewis (born Ffosdufach Farm, Llanboidy). I think that the photo was taken outside Pencnwc Farm, Llanboidy. The poor woman looks terrified and appears to have lost her teeth. Two of her brothers became very wealthy as the result of a legacy from a cousin, William Philipps. Alas, Anne, being a mere woman, was only bequeathed a small annuity - enough to keep her in bonnets and shawls but not much else.
The photograph was taken by a Liverpool photographer, John Thomas who was originally from Cellan, Cardiganshire and is one of the best known Welsh Victorian photographers. He travelled all around Wales from the 1860s to 1890s taking photographs.
This photo could be of my great grandmother Amy Phillips nee Williams (born Lan Farm, Llangan, Llanboidy) (1832-1899). She married my great grandfather James Phillips of Pencnwc, Llanboidy and the family moved to Cefnmeurig in 1882. My mother looks very much like the lady in the photo.
Comments